OUTDOORS: Breast cancer survivors take life 'on the fly'

OTSEGO COUNTY - "What gifts did you get from cancer?" The unlikely question was posed by a counselor during a recent Reeling and Healing Reunion Retreat.

"I learned patience," declared one breast cancer survivor.

"And how does that relate to fly fishing?"

"I have to be patient while trying to tie flies."

"And how does it relate to life?"

Although centered around the relaxing properties of fly-fishing, donning hip-waders to stand in a rapidly moving stream, allowing the cool current to ease away body aches and heartaches, Reeling and Healing Retreats offer so much more for those recovering from breast cancer.

Reeling and Healing Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is "To introduce women recovering from cancer to the healing powers of fly-fishing by providing a unique experience, a renewed perspective, new friendships and a very special source of hope," according to president Cathy Sero.

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Sero began volunteering with Reeling and Healing seven years ago after witnessing the mental and physical benefits of the sport first-hand as a certified instructor. "I saw how being on the river helped people get through whatever they were going through, then I read an article about this program and thought I should volunteer."

"It's a chance to be in a different environment, and get their minds off the experiences of the previous six months," explained Sue Walters of Vanderbilt, a certified fly-fishing instructor and volunteer for an upcoming Reeling and Healing retreat to be held in August at the Gates AuSable Lodge in Grayling.

The goal of the retreats is "to provide a safe fly-fishing environment while allowing participants to discuss their disease and recovery among women with shared experiences, and to provide information about cancer-related resources, both local community and nationally, to help facilitate networking and enhanced management of their recovery."

"It's not about catching fish," stated Walters. "It's about being with other women who are going through a similar experience, making friends, talking with professionals, being in nature, and doing something new."

It's the new experience which Sero believes does the most for participants. "Learning to fly-fish allows the women to do something they've never done before, and to feel good about themselves for doing it."

Sero believes she receives as much as she gives. "I have long blond hair, and I wasn't prepared at first to see bald women. I wasn't prepared for the joy. I wasn't prepared when a woman caught her first fish and began crying and thanking me over and over again." Sero recalled the woman telling her, "I caught a fish; I may not be able to do this next year." At that moment, Sero realized she had received a special gift, a new perspective on her own life.

For more information about Reeling and Healing Inc., people may contact Sero at 312- 499-1954 or e-mail csero@reelingandhealing.org. Or check the Web site at www.